It can’t be underestimated just how comforting it can be for a manager to motion to the bullpen a tight game, signal to bring his closer, and know they’ll put a game on ice.
When the lights dim and the fire graphics appear on the screens at Citizens Bank Park, that’s the exact feeling the Philadelphia Phillies interim manager, Don Mattingly, likely feels sitting in the dugout right now, because Jhoan Duran has arguably been one of the best closers in all of baseball so far this season.
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Maybe it’s because Duran went on the injured list in April with an oblique strain, or because the Phillies didn’t have many save opportunities at the start of the season, but it feels like Duran hasn’t been getting the recognition he deserves.
Duran couldn’t be pitching better right now; he’s been perfect.
Seriously, the closer has converted all 16 save opportunities he’s been on the mound for, which makes him the fifth reliever in Phillies history to accomplish that feat. He’s also faved the minimum in his last five outings.
In terms of the simple counting stats, Duran owns a 1.25 ERA (3 ER/21.2 IP) and a 0.83 WHIP so far on the season.
May 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) reacts after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The key to his success so far this season hasn’t been anything special, and the same blueprint has held: Duran continues to blow fastballs right past hitters.
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Duran’s heater has an average velocity of 100.2 mph so far this season. With that, his whiff-rate has been 40.2 percent, and his strikeout rate is at 40.2 percent.
Duran’s latest save came on Monday evening against the Toronto Blue Jays. He closed out the game and gave the Phillies their seventh win in their last 10 games on nine quick pitches.
With how quick and efficient an outing it was, Duran might even be able to pitch again on Tuesday, and that was exactly his takeaway after the game.
“I like to throw as many times as I can,” Duran said after the game. “If I could pitch every day, I would do it. I like to be in the game every single day.“
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Will Duran continue to stay perfect throughout the season? Probably not.
However, the run he’s been on to start the season can’t be overlooked, and the Phillies will continue to be in a good spot as long as they have a reliable arm like Duran in the back of their bullpen.
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